People advocating for the use of masks are doing so to reduce the spread that happens when an infected person (asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic or symptomatic) exhales, talks, sings, sneezes, coughs, etc.
While masks do provide some degree of protection to the wearer, the bigger reason for masks is to prevent the infected person from spreading virus-laden “droplets” that in turn cause infection of others.
Droplets which contain virus are large enough to be blocked on the “outbound” route by most masks, even simple, homemade ones from common fabrics. There are a ton of scientific studies, video simulations, etc that show this very clearly and conclusively.
Until that fashion mask becomes saturated with virus laden droplets which migrates to the exterior through the large weaves of fabric and are blown hither and yon with every breath or sneeze.
Hey, how about the N95 with the exhalation valve. Those are unfiltered valves. Hmmmm. Useless.
This virus is spread primarily by Fecal-Oral, the virus is in the Feces of the infected.
Now the average person passes gas several times a day, if your infected with the virus then your emitting a viral load.
Will a mask really help you then?